South Carolina Football: 10 Reasonable Goals for the 2012 Season

South Carolina has a big season coming up. For once, the program isn't marred in a negative mindset. This year, South Carolina knows it can compete. The program has definitely turned a corner.

They aren't elite yet, and they have a long way to go to get there. However, they are currently in a very solid place as a team and program.

Without looking through garnet-colored glasses, here are 10 reasonable goals that the Gamecocks should set for themselves. These aren't goals that I think they will automatically meet. These are goals the team must work for.

They have to be prepared to face every challenge in order to meet these lofty goals.

Win at Least 9 Games

This goes without saying. To have a chance to win the East, you must have at least nine wins under your belt. 9-3 may get you in with help. 10-2, 11-1 or 12-0 would be ideal.

A nine-win season in the SEC is nothing to sneeze at. It would also allow the team to stay in contention for most of the year. If the team only wins seven or eight games, it should be considered a massive disappointment.

Lead the SEC East in Rushing

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With as many great runners as the Gamecocks have, this should be possible. Marcus Lattimore returns, along with an experienced Connor Shaw, as well as starting-caliber runners Kenny Miles and Brandon Wilds.

Add to the mix the explosive Shon Carson and freshman Mike Davis, and the Gamecocks could be one of the best running teams in the country.

Finish in the Top 3 in the SEC in Total Defense

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South Carolina isn't elite when it comes to the program, but the defense was pretty close last year. The Gamecocks will miss Melvin Ingram, Antonio Allen, Travian Robertson and Stephon Gilmore, but they return Jadeveon Clowney, Devin Taylor, Victor Hampton and Kelcy Quarles.

In other words, the team is still loaded. There is a great deal of potential on this defense, but a bit less proven production. If the potential is fulfilled, this could be an even better defense. If not, the worst-case scenario is that it slips a bit but is still stifling.

Beat Clemson

There are still some Clemson fans that are clinging to the idea that this is just a flash in the pan. I have many friends that are Clemson fans. Many are rational.

Some are not. While I don't believe the tide has "officially" turned on the rivalry, I do feel as though the Gamecocks have clearly established themselves as the better program currently.

A fourth loss to the Gamecocks would probably spell the end for the Clemson domination era.

While the Gamecocks have a couple more wins to go to make it even (it's not as one-sided as Clemson folks would have you believe—it's 65-40 Clemson, meaning that Clemson wins roughly six out of 10 games, not nine out of 10 as many would lead you to believe), winning five of the last seven games will go a long way in establishing a new tide.

Win the SEC

While the odds aren't in the Gamecocks' favor, they definitely have a chance. Ten years ago, even the most fervent Gamecock fan knew they didn't have a chance at the SEC.

Now, they do. They are talented, well-coached and recruit well. This should be the ultimate goal from here on out. One day, the Gamecocks will win the SEC. It may not be this year. It may be 10 years down the road. However, the South Carolina Gamecocks will be in the hunt year in and year out.